take a joke

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Verb phrase: - To accept and react good-naturedly to a joke or humorous remark made about oneself, without becoming upset or offended.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe a person's ability to tolerate humor directed at their own expense. It often appears in questions or negative statements to comment on someone's lack of humor or sensitivity. - It is typically used in informal contexts. - It often implies that the listener is being overly serious or sensitive.

Examples
Advanced Usage
  • "to be able to take a joke": This is a common formulation emphasizing the capacity or quality of being good-humored.
    • It's important in this office to be able to take a joke; we have a very playful culture.
Variants and Related Words
  • Thick-skinned (adj): Not easily upset by criticism or insults; similar in meaning to being able to take a joke.
    • Politicians need to be thick-skinned.
  • Self-deprecating (adj): Modest about or critical of oneself, especially humorously so. This is the quality of someone who makes jokes about themselves.
    • She is known for her self-deprecating humor.
Synonyms
  • Accept teasing
  • Laugh at oneself
  • Not be thin-skinned
Antonyms
  • Be thin-skinned
  • Take offense easily
  • Be unable to laugh at oneself
Related Idioms
  • "To laugh it off": To respond to a difficult or embarrassing situation by laughing and pretending it is not serious.
    • When he tripped on stage, he just laughed it off and continued his speech. (This is a specific reaction, while "take a joke" is a general ability.)
Verb
  1. listen to a joke at one's own expense
    • Can't you take a joke?